The Michigan Angus Auxiliary was organized on March 10, 1967 and is proud to celebrate “50 years of Continuous Success” in 2017.
During the past fifty years, the purpose of the Michigan Angus Auxiliary has not changed. We continue to assist Michigan Angus Breeders and Angus youth in educational and promotional activities, sponsor the Miss Michigan Angus Contest, provide scholarships for graduating seniors, assist with the annual banquet, provide hospitality for various activities, sponsor the showmanship contest at the Preview Show, award certificates of achievement to outstanding juniors, as well as support American Angus Auxiliary programs and activities.
The Michigan Angus Association selected four women to organize the Michigan Angus Auxiliary in 1967. They were Janet Pless, Ruth Simmons, Miriam Underhill and Pat Cook, chairperson. These ladies worked tirelessly to complete their mission. Elected as the first officers of the auxiliary were President, Mrs. Orville Cook, Britton; President Elect, Mrs. Steven Simmons, Webberville; Second Vice President – Mrs. R.S. Underhill, Bath; Third Vice President, Mrs. C. Gerald Haarer, Williamston; Secretary, Mrs. James Maxey, Eaton Rapids; Treasurer, Mrs. Bruce Pless, Dansville; and Delegate at Large, Mrs. H. W. Bakhaus, Plymouth. Charter membership closed on July 30, 1967 with 90 members. At the 1967 American Angus Auxiliary luncheon in Chicago, the Michigan Angus Auxiliary was presented a scrapbook in recognition of having the most new members in that year.
Our first scholarship was presented in the summer of 1967 and since that time 71 Michigan juniors have received scholarships from the Michigan Angus Auxiliary and 21 of our state winners have been selected to receive national scholarships from the American Angus Auxiliary. To establish the scholarship fund, “Auxie”, a gift heifer was presented to the Michigan Angus Auxiliary by Kitty Kurtis Angus, Inc. from Britton, Michigan, for the purpose of auctioning at the 1968 Angus Futurity. We have been fortunate to have fourteen “Auxie” heifers donated to the Auxiliary, along with several other donations. The money from the sale of the heifers was used for scholarships and put into certificates of deposit so the scholarship program could be funded from the interest on the certificates and other donations which were received.
The first Michigan Angus Queen was crowned on July 30, 1967. Since then, 46 young women have represented Michigan Angus breeders in this capacity. Dozens more have served as Michigan Angus Ebonettes and more recently Michigan Angus Ambassadors. Two of our juniors also served as Miss American Angus.
Since 1967, the Michigan Angus Auxiliary has been proud to sponsor a total of 87 Michigan juniors who have participated in the National Junior Showmanship Contest. Our juniors have done very well over the years, with 3 national winners, 12 more in the top five, 12 finalists and 16 receiving honorable mention.
Each year, we are excited to award American Angus Auxiliary Certificates of Achievement to outstanding Michigan juniors who have achieved major accomplishments at the state, regional and national levels. The certificates are presented at our annual awards banquet. A new show halter award program began in 2014 for Michigan juniors who exhibited Champion Angus heifers and steers at county, district, regional, state or national shows.
Over the years, many women have given numerous hours to the Auxiliary serving as officers, committee members and chairpersons, as well as helping out wherever needed. Twenty-six ladies have served as president of our auxiliary.
Several members have also been active in the American Angus Auxiliary, serving on various committees and as officers. Patti Rae, Lois Foster and Nancy Thelen served as president of the American Angus Auxiliary, in 1981, 1990 and 2008 respectively. Michigan has had the privilege of hosting the national auxiliary luncheon or breakfast in 1968, 1981, 1990 and 2008.
Thank you to everyone who has helped the Michigan Angus Auxiliary achieve its mission over the past 50 years!
History compiled by Nancy Diuble Thelen.
